Information for Inspection Stations

This area of the Drive Clean Pennsylvania web site is set aside to provide information to service station personnel interested in the Vehicle Emissions Inspection & Maintenance Program.

• Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)

OBD II Inspection Flow Charts

The OBD II Inspection Flow Charts are designed to help guide you through different inspection results you may encounter during the normal course of OBD II inspections and repairs. Following the flow charts will help prevent unnecessary time loss due to improper procedures. In the event you encounter a vehicle that you are not able to "Ready" for an inspection or are not able to provide a waiver, please call the station operator hot line at 1-888-265-5909 and ask for your call to be "Escalated".

Approved Auto Technician Training

• To become a certified emissions inspector, you must be at least 18 years of age, have a valid driver's license, attend a PENNDOT-approved certification course and successfully complete the prescribed tests. Here is a list of approved emissions schools to contact for course availability. Inspectors must take recertification courses and tests every two years to be recertified. Contact an approved school.
  
  
• For becoming an inspector restricted to the Northern counties, prospective students should call Parsons at (888)265-5909. They will be given instructions on how to apply, obtain course materials, and take the test. Inspectors in the Northern region must take a proctored recertification test at an approved institution. See a list of institutions for training in the Northern region.
  
  Parsons provides support services for Pennsylvania's inspection training program. Contact your school or Parsons at (888)265-5909, for questions about training such as test results and inspector cards.
  
  
• A station wishing to apply to become an official PENNDOT emissions inspection station should contact the appropriate county Quality Assurance Officer. To find the Quality Assurance Officer in your area, please check the Quality Assurance Officers contact list.
  
  

Status of OBD and VISUAL Emissions Equipment Specification Changes

• Manufacturer Status of Equipment Certification Process (PDF)

Where To Get Emissions Testing Equipment

• Approved Equipment
• Two-Speed Idle Equipment Providers List (1997)(PDF)

Service Station Bulletins

• I/M Updates (PDF)
  • October 2011
  • June 2010
  • March 2009
  • April 2007
  • December 2006
  • May 2005
  • July 2004
  • April 2004
  • December 2000
  • August 2000
  • May 2000
• I/M-Related Bulletins
  • June 2024 (PDF)
  • July 2023 (PDF)
  • December 2020 (PDF)
  • February 2020 (PDF)
  • February 2019 (PDF)
  • March 2018 (PDF)
  • FAQs for Emissions Inspectors Certification Recertification process 2018 (PDF)
  • September 2016 (PDF)
  • May 2016 (PDF)
  • March 2016 (PDF)
  • January 2016 (PDF)
  • November 2012 (PDF)
  • August 2012 (safety)(PDF)
  • July 2012 - New Program Manager (PDF)
  • July, 2006 - New signage requirements. (PDF)
  • October, 2005 - New appointments, OBD/Visual only, upgraded software. (PDF)
  • March, 2004 - Updates and clarifications regarding the I/M program. (PDF)
  • January 2004 - Emission Inspection Program Information (PDF)
  • November 2003 (PDF)
  • October 2003 (PDF)
  • September 2003 (PDF)
  • June 2003
  • May 2003 (safety)(PDF)
  • May 2002 Data file refresh procedures (PDF)
  • October 1999 (safety)
• Bulletin for Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties only.
  • Official PENNDOT ASM Cutpoint Analyzer Bulletin - May 2003 (PDF)

I/M Regulations

• Changes to the Pennsylvania safety inspection program applicable in non-emission counties - Vehicles registered in counties where there is not an emission inspection program under Chapter 177 shall be checked visually for the presence of emission control components.

• Pub 763 Emission Inspection Regulation (PDF)
  
  
• Amendments to Vehicle Emissions Rule (11/23/03)

Inspection Programs in Other States

• Inspection Programs in Other States - Includes reciprocity information on requirements for availability of tests for out of state and Pennsylvania-registered vehicles driven out of state. Prepared by the Illinois EPA (8/10)(PDF)